17345, Manchester, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Provider Score

The Provider Score for the Overall Health Score in 17345, Manchester, Pennsylvania is 79 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

An estimate of 95.64 percent of the residents in 17345 has some form of health insurance. 34.10 percent of the residents have some type of public health insurance like Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. About 77.16 percent of the residents have private health insurance, either through their employer or direct purchase. Military veterans should know that percent of the residents in the ZIP Code of 17345 have VA health insurance. Also, percent of the residents receive TRICARE.

For the 1,375 residents under the age of 18, there is an estimate of 0 pediatricians in a 20-mile radius of 17345. An estimate of 0 geriatricians or physicians who focus on the elderly who can serve the 1,329 residents over the age of 65 years.

In a 20-mile radius, there are 3,639 health care providers accessible to residents in 17345, Manchester, Pennsylvania.

## Overall Health Score Analysis: Manchester, PA (ZIP Code 17345)

Evaluating the overall health landscape within the Manchester, Pennsylvania (ZIP Code 17345) area requires a multifaceted approach. This analysis considers several key indicators, including physician availability, practice quality, technological integration, and the presence of mental health resources. We aim to provide an 'Overall Health Score' assessment, offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of the local healthcare ecosystem.

**Physician-to-Patient Ratio and Primary Care Availability:**

A critical factor in assessing health access is the physician-to-patient ratio. While precise, up-to-the-minute data fluctuates, it's possible to infer trends. In a primarily rural or suburban area like Manchester, the ratio likely presents challenges. The availability of primary care physicians (PCPs) is paramount. Limited PCP access can lead to delayed diagnoses, reliance on emergency services for non-emergencies, and a generally lower standard of preventative care.

The geographical distribution of PCPs within the ZIP code is also significant. Are practices concentrated in one area, leaving other parts of Manchester underserved? This spatial analysis is crucial for understanding true accessibility. Furthermore, the acceptance of new patients by existing practices is a key metric. Practices that are consistently closed to new patients signal a significant demand-supply imbalance, potentially hindering residents' ability to establish and maintain regular primary care.

**Standout Practices and Quality of Care:**

Beyond raw numbers, the quality of care provided by existing practices is paramount. Assessing this involves examining several factors. Accreditation status (e.g., from organizations like the Joint Commission) provides a baseline indication of adherence to quality standards. Patient reviews, while subjective, offer valuable insights into patient experiences, including communication, wait times, and overall satisfaction.

Practices that actively participate in quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate positive patient outcomes deserve recognition. This could include initiatives focused on chronic disease management (diabetes, heart disease), preventative screenings, or specific patient populations (e.g., geriatric care). The presence of specialized services, such as on-site laboratory testing or imaging, can also enhance the convenience and efficiency of care.

**Telemedicine Adoption and Technological Integration:**

The adoption of telemedicine is a crucial element in modern healthcare, particularly in areas with potential access challenges. Telemedicine can expand access to specialists, provide convenient follow-up appointments, and improve chronic disease management through remote monitoring. Practices that have embraced telehealth platforms, offering virtual consultations and remote patient monitoring, are likely to be more accessible and patient-centered.

Beyond telemedicine, the level of technological integration within practices is important. Do practices utilize electronic health records (EHRs) effectively? Are patient portals available for secure communication, appointment scheduling, and access to medical records? Practices that embrace technology tend to be more efficient, improve communication, and enhance patient engagement.

**Mental Health Resources:**

Mental health is an integral component of overall well-being, and access to mental health services is essential. The availability of psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists, and counselors within the ZIP code is a crucial indicator. Are there sufficient mental health professionals to meet the needs of the community?

The integration of mental health services within primary care practices is also important. Co-locating mental health providers with PCPs can facilitate early detection, reduce stigma, and improve access to care. The availability of crisis intervention services, such as mobile crisis teams or 24/7 hotlines, is also a vital component of a robust mental health system.

**Overall Health Score Assessment:**

Based on the factors discussed, a comprehensive 'Overall Health Score' can be assigned. This score would reflect the strengths and weaknesses of the healthcare landscape in Manchester, PA (ZIP Code 17345). The score would be a composite measure, incorporating the physician-to-patient ratio, quality of care metrics, telemedicine adoption, and mental health resource availability. A high score would indicate a robust, accessible, and patient-centered healthcare system. A low score would highlight areas needing improvement, such as physician shortages, limited access to specialists, or inadequate mental health resources.

**Conclusion:**

Understanding the healthcare landscape within a specific geographic area is complex. This analysis provides a framework for assessing the overall health of Manchester, PA (ZIP Code 17345), considering physician availability, practice quality, technological integration, and mental health resources. This information is essential for residents, healthcare providers, and policymakers to identify areas of strength and weakness, and to develop strategies for improving access to care and promoting overall well-being.

**Call to Action:**

To gain a deeper, more visually driven understanding of the healthcare landscape in Manchester, PA (ZIP Code 17345), explore the power of spatial data visualization. Utilize CartoChrome maps to overlay physician locations, practice specialties, and other relevant data points. CartoChrome maps allow you to analyze geographical patterns, identify areas of need, and make informed decisions about healthcare access and resource allocation.